More Relief for African Migrants in Libya as World Responds

Last week when Rwanda government announced it will intervene and rescue African migrants trapped and sold as slaves in Libya, the world heard and has followed suit.

At the end of a 2-day 5th African Union-European Union Summit, yesterday, United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, expressed shock over developments in Libya and called for quick action against it.

“I am horrified at news reports and video footage showing African migrants Libya being sold as slaves. I abhor these appalling acts and call upon all competent authorities to investigate these activities without delay and to bring the perpetrators to Justice,” Guterres said.

Antonio Guterres’ call for swift action came a day after the panel discussion between AU commissioners on Peace and Security who called for ‘speedy’ resolution of the crisis in Libya to stem out the human trafficking taking place through Libya and into Europe through the Mediterranean.

Between 4000 to 7000 African migrants are said to be in Libya – with many sold as slaves to mostly Europe.

Donald Tusk – European Council President who attended the Summit said; “We will not be effective if we do not ensure that the people caught up in Libya and elsewhere can return safely to their homes.”

More than 80 countries agreed on an evacuation plan that will allow migrants to be repatriated from Libya – the main transit route for migrants heading to Europe through Mediterranean Sea.

Alpha Condé President of Guinea and Chairperson of African Union announced at the closure of the Summit that Moroccan King Mohammed VI pledged planes to evacuate for the UN-led task force that will airlift migrants from dangerous Libya.

“The king of Morocco has made available planes for the task force,” President Conde told journalists in Abidjan yesterday.

The initial step will be to rescue 3,800 migrants, he added.

Meanwhile, Rwanda has maintained its decision to provide shelter and transport to the migrants.